Health First Health Plans Help Navigate the Marketplace

Learn How the Healthcare Law Affects You
There is plenty of information on healthcare reform, so while healthcare reform brings a new requirement (or a “mandate”) to have health insurance, it also makes it easier for more people to obtain coverage.

The Affordable Care Act introduces income-based subsidies to make plans more affordable, requires that insurance companies accept applicants regardless of health history and creates an online shopping experience called the Marketplace.

Health insurance can be purchased through an insurance agent, directly from an insurance company or by visiting the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov.

What is the Marketplace?
The Marketplace (also called the Exchange) is a new government website that will make it easier for people to compare and buy health insurance policies. The Marketplace can be found by visiting HealthCare.gov. You can visit the Marketplace website to see what health plans are available in your area, find out if you’re eligible for financial help to pay for your plan, find out how much each plan costs, and enroll in an insurance policy.

Many insurance companies offer plans both on and off of the Marketplace. However, those who qualify for an income-based subsidy can only use subsidy dollars to purchase plans on the Marketplace.

To choose and buy a policy for yourself or your family, you can:

Work with your current insurance agent or broker

Buy directly from an insurance company like Health First Health Plans, or

Also, many preventive services are included with no additional out-of-pocket expenses. Examples include screenings, check-ups, and patient counseling to prevent illnesses, disease, or other health problems.

When should someone enroll?
If you do not currently have health insurance, you can enroll in a new plan during the Open Enrollment Period from November 15, 2014 through February 15, 2015. If you would like your coverage to begin on January 1, 2015, you must enroll by December 15, 2014.

There are also other special circumstances that may allow you to enroll other times during the year called a Special Enrollment Period. Examples include:

Losing coverage through your employer plan or another policy

Gaining or becoming a dependent through marriage, birth or adoption

Becoming a citizen

Moving out of a service area

Gaining or losing eligibility for financial assistance

Is Financial Aid available?
Many people want to have health insurance, but simply can’t afford it. The Affordable Care Act introduces income-based subsidies to make plans more affordable and cost-sharing reductions to help reduce the amount of out-of-pocket expenses for those who qualify.

That means that citizens and legal residents with incomes between 100 percent and 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) who purchase coverage on the Marketplace in Florida are eligible for a tax credit to reduce the cost of coverage.

*Remember: If you qualify for an income-based subsidy, you must buy your policy through the Marketplace.

Health First Health Plans
Open Enrollment

Nov. 15, 2014 – Feb. 15, 2015

For Health First Health Plans coverage starting on January 1, 2015, enroll by December 15, 2014.

Call your local broker and/or Health First Individual toll free at
1-877-904-4914 to speak with a representative or schedule a personal consultation.